What is the minimum compartment pressure at rest for diagnosing chronic exertional compartment syndrome?

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is characterized by increased pressure within a muscle compartment that leads to pain and other symptoms during physical activity. For a diagnosis of CECS, the minimum compartment pressure at rest is crucial in determining whether the condition is present.

A pressure of 15 mmHg is significant because it is recognized as the threshold for diagnosing CECS at rest. Above this level, especially when combined with symptomatic presentation after exercise, it supports the diagnosis of the condition. Values higher than this at rest can further strengthen the diagnosis, particularly when correlated with reported symptoms during activity.

Understanding the critical thresholds for compartment pressures helps in differentiating between normal muscle function and pathology, enabling appropriate management and treatment decisions.